Comparison of conservative treatment with and without neural mobilization for patients with low back pain: A prospective,randomized clinical trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem that causes pain, disability, and gait and balance problems. Neurodynamic techniques are used in the treatment of LBP.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of electrotherapy and neural mobilization on pain, functionality, gait, and balance in patients with LBP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 41 patients were randomly assigned to either the neural mobilization group (NMG, $n=$ 20) or electrotherapy group (ETG, $n=$ 21). Assessment tools used were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functionality, straight leg raise test (SLRT) for neural involvement, and baropedographic platform (Zebris FDM-2 ${}^{\text{TM}}$ ) for gait and static balance measurements.

RESULTS:

Both groups showed a significant decrease in pain and functional disability, while only the NMG group showed a significant increase in SLRT scores ( $p<$ 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant pre- to post-treatment changes in gait or static balance parameters in either group ( $p<$ 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Neural mobilization was effective in reducing pain and improving functionality and SLRT performance in patients with LBP, but induced no change in gait and static balance parameters. Neural mobilization may be used as self-practice to supplement standard treatment programs.